Battery shield



. Dec. 7; 1926. 609,799

C. DOUGLAS BATTERY SHIELD Filed Oct. 9. 1923 by it may Patented Dec. 7,1926.

UNITED STA cnannns c.

TES

DOUGLAS, 01:. BUFFALQ NEW YORK.

BATTERY SHIELD.

Application filed October 9, 1923. Serial No. 667,585.

I It is well known to those skilled in the art that in storagebatteries, the terminals and leads are subject to the corrosive actionof the electrolyte of the battery either in the form of fumes comingfrom the battery, or from the creepage of the electrolyte.

The principal object of my invention has been to provide a shield, whichshall extend around the battery terminal post and prevent theelectrolyte from reaching the upper part of the terminal post and thebattery lead connected thereto.

Another object-has been to provide'a shield of this nature, which shallbe flexible, wherecover a large area of the battery, and still make thefiller openings thereof accessible.

Another object has been to provide a shield of this nature which may beconveniently attached to batteries in present day use.

Another object has been the provision of such a device for accomplishingthe desired results, which may inexpensively manufactured.

The above objects and advantages have been accomplished by the deviceshown in the accompanying drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of m device.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view t ereof, showing the same in use.

Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a modified form of application of thedevice.

As shown in Fig. 2, 5 represents the storage battery box, and 6 one ofthe handles thereof. 7 represents the insulation, and 8 one of theterminal posts of the battery. The device, in its preferred form,comprises a washer 9, preferably of lead, which is provided with acentral aperture 10 for engagement with the terminal post 8. The washer.is provided with an annular groove 11 formed in its periphery, wherebyflanges 14 are provided. A sheet of rubber 12, havlng a central 0 ningis slipped over the washer, and into t e groove 11, where it is firmlysecured by forcing the flanges 14 of the washer down upon the rubber bya bending operation.

When the device is to be applied to the batteryterminal post 8, the sameis slipped over the terminal post 8, and secured in position preferablyby caulking around the joint 13, thereby securely sealing tl1e o1ntbetween the washer and the terminal post 8. Since my shield issupportedby projecting parts of the battery, such as the connector,filler cap, and handle it is face of the shield will be kept free andseparated from contact with the upper surface of the battery, asclearly'shown in the drawmgs. In the modified form of invention shown inFig. 3, the terminal post 15'is provided near its. base preferabl withtwo flan cs 16, between which the ru ber shield 17 is disposed andsecured by the bending action hereinbefore referred to. o

It will be clear from the foregoing that the joints between the shieldand the terminal post are efficiently sealed so that all fumes from thebattery will be kept from coming in contact with the terminal ost andlead of the battery, and the electro yte will also be prevented fromcreeping up onto the terminal.

While I have shown my device as applied to a circular terminal post, itis obvious that the washer 9 may be made square, or oblong,

and have a central aperture of either of these shapes for adaptation tobinding posts of oblong, square, or rectangular cross-section.Furthermore, in the form of invention shown in Fig. 3, the terminal postmay be of any desired form, and have flangesarranged at its lower end,or a groove formed therein for the reception of the rubber.

Moreover,- while I have described the shield as being made of rubber,-Ido not wish to limit myself to this material, it being obvious that anysuitable acid-resisting material may be used.

While I have described the washer as being attached to the batteryterminal ost by caulking, it is obvious that, since the attery terminalposts are usually tapered, the Hole in the washer may be made of suclra'size that when forced into position the joint may be effectivelysealed. Another wa of fastenin 7 metal% of the post and washer togetherby means of oxyacetylene flame.

Having thusdescribed my invention, what I claim is: I

1. The combination with the terminal of a storage battery, of a flexibleapertured shield, the shield being so formed that its outer edges arefree and unattached and overlap the edge of the battc ry box.

2. The combination with the terminal and the filler plug of a storagebattery,.of a flexthe washer in position is by using theobvious that thelower ible apert'iired shield, the shield being suitsuch a size that itwill be supported by the ably secured to the terminal and made ofbattery parts and its outer edge substan- -such a size that it willoverlayl the filler plug. tially free from contact with the top of the3. The combinationwith t e terminal and battery. 5 the filler plug of astorage battery, of a flex- In testimony whereof, I have hereunto ibleapertured shield, the shield being suitsigned my name.- ably secured tothe terminal and made of CHARLES C. DOUGLAS.

